Vans: Director, Design, Women & Kids Lifestyle Footwear

Vans is the original brand rooted in the authentic lifestyle of skateboarding. We are driven by our mission to inspire and empower everyone to live “Off The Wall” – embracing the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless progression. Yesterday’s “Off The Wall” moment is today’s new normal, and at Vans, we believe in constantly outdoing ourselves. Together with our communities across the globe, our vision is to push culture forward because we believe that the pursuit of progression never ends. We are constantly inspired by the future generation of positive catalysts within our community.  

So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of people who think and live “Off the Wall,” Vans just may be the place for you.

To learn more about our values and our culture, visit Vans Careers or www.vans.com.

What will you do?

As the Director of Women’s and Kids Lifestyle Footwear Design at Vans, you will lead with vision, creativity, and purpose—driving the next evolution of style, function, and cultural relevance. In this leadership role, you’ll define the design direction for our Women’s and Kids categories, shaping products that speak to emerging trends, diverse communities, and new generations of Vans fans.

You’ll bring 8-10 years of progressive experience in footwear design, a sharp eye for color, materials, and storytelling, and the ability to guide complex projects from concept through to market launch. Working cross-functionally with product, merchandising, and marketing teams, you’ll ensure every silhouette reflects Vans’ distinct point of view—elevating icons and introducing fresh expressions that resonate globally. This is your opportunity to lead with impact, build inclusive design narratives, and help define the future of Vans through the lens of Women’s and Kids Lifestyle.

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Lead a team of world class designers into future space for the brand
• Align and collaborate across functions and design disciplines to create focused seasonal direction.
• Fuel creativity and foster newness within the footwear design team
• Lead the design team and product organization through GTM process with clear feedback and parameters.
• Define the creative vision that redefines Women’s and Kid’s footwear for Vans.

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 8+ years of experience and professional achievements. 

The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

• Proven leadership, organizational and project management capability
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to interface successfully with internal and external partners
• The capability to align with defined strategies of innovation, brand and objectives
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with computer design software platforms, i.e., 2-D abilities in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, 3D abilities
• Working knowledge of Macintosh systems such as Apple Keynote and product line management (PLM)
• Experience with integrating new AI tools into design workflow a plus.
• Professional presentation skills
• The knowledge to read, analyze and interpret product design briefs
• Strong and proven experience in concept creation, color strategy, technical footwear expertise and product execution
• Deep knowledge of fashion and market trends with an understanding of Vans DNA
• The strength to work under deadlines, manage multiple priorities, work independently and as part of a team, take initiative, pay close attention to detail
• Enthusiasm for design – inspiring, creative, forward-thinking and energetic with solid organizational skills
• Self-driven, able to work under pressure and tight deadlines and inspire other to do the same
• Domestic and International travel

Hiring Range:

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com  and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.  If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.